If you grew up up North, you probably have memories of the family heading out to a tree farm every Christmas and chopping down a tree to decorate. I grew up in Florida...and that's not a thing here. At least, it wasn't a thing...I found out today that there's a place in Polk County where you can chop down your own Christmas tree for just $10!
The trees are sand pines, which aren't as full or lush as the trees you're probably accustomed to seeing at tree lots (or up north). But if you want to save money and have a fun family outing, take a ride out to Lake Wales Ridge State Park and pick out a tree! For $10, they'll lend you a hand saw and you can pick a tree...and strap it to the hood of the station wagon like Clark Griswold.
All you have to do is pay for a $10 permit on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday at the Forestry office there, grab a hand saw, and find and cut down your tree any day from now until three days before Christmas. In case you were wondering, cutting down sand pines is actually great for the environment there. Experts say if they are not kept in check, they can over take other species and push them out. So you're spending a day in nature with the family, and helping the state park.
For more information, call the Forestry office: (863) 589-0545.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Photo: Getty Images